NORWICH – Three individuals pleaded guilty to various felony and misdemeanor crimes this week in Chenango County Court.
• John P. Winn, 27, of Bainbridge, admitted to a two count violation of probation petition and was re-sentenced accordingly. Winn had been on probation for two separate convictions: one in 2011 for felony driving while ability impaired by a drug and another for third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance in 2012. He had been sentenced to two overlaping five-year terms of probation which were to run congruent. However, with his probation revoked, Winn was re-sentenced to a one and a third to a four year sentence in state prison for the DWAI conviction. He was also re-sentenced for his third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance charge for which he received a three year determinate sentence to run concurrent with his DWAI sentencing. He was also sentenced to Shock Incarceration – a military style drug treatment program for New York State prisoners. Two years of post supervision will also commence once Winn is released from state prison.
As part of his plea agreement, Winn admitted on record to having been arrested on March 29, 2013, for unlawful possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct.
Said Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, “Hopefully shock treatment will help him get it together so he won’t have to appear in this or any other court again.”
“He is aware he has some significant issues with respect to chemical dependency,” said assistant public defender Aaron A. Dean. “He intends to successfully complete the shock program and return to society as a productive member of society.”
• Eneth M. Davenport, 35, of Norwich, pleaded guilty to first degree criminal nuisance, a class E felony, and was instructed to complete drug treatment court while sentencing was adjourned for a later date.
“Thank you for the opportunity of drug treatment court,” said Davenport. “I will be a good citizen again,” she promised the court.
“You tend to associate with the who’s who of the drug world … I guess in essence you are a who’s who,” said Chenango County Judge Frank B. Revoir while warning the defendant of the many obligations she will be responsible for as a participant of drug treatment court.
• Ashley N. Babcock, 25, Norwich, pleaded guilty to first degree criminal nuisance, a class E felony. She was sentenced to one year of judicial diversion, a program which allows a measure of leniency for those suffering from substance abuse. If Babcock is able to complete drug treatment court she will then be placed on probation for five years. If not, she will be re-sentenced as a predicate felon to a two to four year indeterminate sentence in state prison.
During her admission of guilt to first degree criminal nuisance, Babcock was required to answer a few questions on record to clarify the circumstances of her arrest. She admitted to having knowingly maintained a premises where other individuals were gathering to sell and purchase controlled substances. Furthermore, she admitted to having been promised drugs in return for allowing her residence to be utilized in said manner.